Episode 122: Selecting the Right Stitch Length, Hanging Quilts on Walls, and Cutting Mat Lifespans

[@kellyholtz8830]

I wish you could share a video of you choosing the strike offs that make the cut. That would be fun to watch.

[@lindabaldwin6293]

I agree that would be fun. We know you would need to wait to post the video until the fabric is ready to show publicly. ❤

[@colleenbasile4505]

Thanks Sherri for the tip on stitch length to 2.0. I tried it out today and it really does make a difference. Thanks for all you do for the quilting community.

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

45:06 Label: Sherri, you can have next to you as you binding quilts and stitch them underneath the binding edge.

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

39:13 In my nursing carrier of over 38 years, I saw several nurses "burnout." I brought up preferring to say "brownout" as it gave me permission to come back when healed, sometimes only a long weekend was all it took.

[@suzannelanteigne1747]

I keep my old mats for my grand children , they can craft on them without me worrying about my table . Thank you for such informative videos

[@cherylwirth8219]

I loved the Q&A and all of the sneak peeks! Kimberly, you are so real and honest, which I appreciate. Keep being YOU and staying true to yourself! 🩷🩵🩷🩵

[@miramsey1]

Thank you so much for featuring my mother's quilt. I showed her the video and it really made her smile.

[@kimhannah1632]

I enjoy your videos so much. Truly Billy is such a joy!

[@pathallberg3267]

I've been quilting since the 80's and I've only replaced 2 mats. The 2 I replaced, I now use the back side for cutting batting. I only use the lines on my mats for cutting things that are bigger than my ruler and therefore cut in different places all the time. I have to admit I need to change my needle more often! Loved this video with such a variety of topics!

[@sonjadalglish6544]

Love your podcast, beautiful fabrics and quilts. They are so happy and optimistic. On Mondays, I clean & oil my machine and change my needle. I had heard 8 hours for a needle, which means that I need to change it in the middle of the week as well. I notice that I have less thread lint when I change the needle. Thank you for your podcasts.

[@debadrian8017]

I love the idea of Billy walking us through his filming / editing process! Billy you are so good at what you do My daughter just opened a shop/studio in Gypsum Colorado and i see you tube in her near future Thank you for considering this idea

[@kelleycoe6829]

I quilt at least a couple of hours every single day. I have had the same mat for 15 years! I change my blade every quilt or 4 table runners. That many mat changes is wild to me but I love it. You've inspired me to order a new one.

[@suepeschke2256]

Thank you for all the ideas to hang quilts

[@nancyevans7609]

You have so many helpful tips for your listeners on each podcast. I appreciate the time and effort you three put forth to share your quilting and the family laughs together! And I’m so happy to have found more Strawberry Lemonade fabric at FQShop just recently as I’m very interested in sewing some of your patterns with this line of fabric. Best wishes and safe travels to Houston in a few weeks. I’ve been there several times over the years and even exhibited in the show!😃

[@DianeM-hy4np]

Sherri it would be great to see a video of your home and how you display your quilts. I really enjoyed Chelsi's video of her home she did a while back. Also, thank you for reminding us out here watching you that this is a fulltime job for both of you. When watching your videos and seeing your beautiful quilts, it is easy to think, wow how do they get all this done and why can't I? or why don't they do this or that themselves, instead of having someone else do it?. For you it is a job. For the majority of us out here, it is a hobby. It was such a great reminder of how hard you all work to get so much done. Chelsi it was great to hear how you put your family first.

[@carmenbailey1560]

What a beautiful collection of quilts to frame you all and to display on your walls. I have to share that I too have a computerize Jamone and love sewing with it, it’s getting it’s 2 yr. service work done and can’t wait to get it back. Again, beautiful quilt display thanks for sharing. 👍❤️🙂

[@SewWhittle]

My two machines are both pre-set on 2.5 - thanks for suggesting 2.0 for piecing (I was seeing some pieces pull apart easily). I am currently quilting my own quilts and hearing you say you use 3.5 will help a lot. Thanks again!

[@sherryconroy3507]

I’ve only had to change my mat after it got damaged when I moved. I had the same mat for 20 years and replaced it when I got tired of having to cut around the wavy part. I do replace my blades and needles very often. Thanks for all the great information!

[@NellieShannon-p9g]

Very good information and I love this show. Keep up the good work and the beautiful Fabric and Quilts .

[@shelleyopland4041]

On my Bernina 750 I find my seams may still come open a few stitches at 2.0 so have gone to a 1.8 stitch length. Small enough to hold seam edges but still big enough to accommodate the dreaded seam ripped. Love A Quilting Life Mondays!

[@nikkireynolds9514]

And I can’t imagine you fitting in the quilting and KZbin without Billy’s help? One of the encouraging part of your podcasts is the collaboration you have within your family and with your long armers and others. The collaboration and support among “competitors” in the quilting field is reassuring.

[@dalairem]

I love using Command Spring Clips for small and medium wall hangings. They are removable and movable and leave no marks on the walls. Add a few more, and they'll hold larger sizes, too!

[@marykauffman3686]

Thanks! Great episode!

[@caroline-brisbane8577]

Love seeing the quilts these were special.

[@conniekrinsky4756]

Good morning: I love watching your episodes whenever they come out. The listener questions podcast is one of my favorites. Getting into making labels for quilts,, I find the easiest way is by using my inkjet printer. I use EQ printable (The Electric Quilt Co.) printable labels. After the label is printed, I surround the label with strips of fabric from the quilt and hand sew it to the back of the quilt. The ink will stay on after washing. Add the persons name along with any other information. For example, if it is a baby quilt, list the name, date of birth, pounds and/or inches, pattern name and who it is from. The history of the label will live on and on.

[@stellabredin1222]

I started using the 2.0 setting on my Bernina too. It makes a world of difference especially on small blocks!

[@pattimarques4450]

Loved all the questions today!

[@nikkireynolds9514]

One way to get around the “they are pretty much there forever” problem is to run picture hangers around the room at near ceiling height, and suspend the curtain rod from there. It makes it convenient way to change heights for differently sized quilt.

[@stella02la79]

Someone asked about chain piecing and thread issues. I had this until I started using a different thread place with a single hole air straight stitch’s. This has been a game changer. Keeping needle in down position is important, too.

[@kimjohnson3110]

I can’t believe I’ve never really known about ou guys until recently. Just got your new book in the mail and can’t wait to make something from it! Love your podcasts!!!

[@susannafreyvogel5540]

My machine is a Bernina which I love. The default is 2.5 but I want ll try the 2.2. And who knew what stitch to use for quilting. So helpful. L❤ your You Tube video’s and fabric and patterns of course! I’m a huge fan❤

[@cynthiadana2424]

Your Anthem quilt would make a great Quilt of Valor . Thanks for all you do ❤

[@kimjohnson3110]

I always put labels on quilts I give to family members. Just so whoever ends up with down the road have the history of it long after I’m gone.

[@klange1]

My Jukie HZL-F600 is preset to 2.4 and I bump it down to 2.0 and it is so worth it! It keeps the seams together but if I have to seam rip it isn't that bad!

[@janelicata5328]

I absolutely love your podcast and look forward to every episode! You always provide so much useful information. When piecing my quilts, I used a 2.0 stitch length until Kimberly Jolly from the Fat Quarter Shop suggested using a 1.8 stitch length. I feel that small difference makes my blocks feel more stable, and, if needed, they are not too difficult to rip out….ask me how I know. 😂

[@patriciaruppert201]

Love the video. You guys are such a cool family. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@teresastradinger9986]

I've made some napkins using Essex linen. They're lovely and feel substantial. I want to try the toweling too

[@KathyM-c6i]

My Juki is pre-set on 2.4 and I always reset it for either 2.0 or 2.2 for piecing. I appreciate that Sherri confirmed that stitch length for me :)

[@kimmyers7848]

I have martelli mats and I take a wet wash cloth and wipe it down every week. It heals so well Love it. Mine is at least 4 years old and not a cut mark on it. I cut everyday because I sew everyday

[@kimjohnson3110]

Love both of the showcased quilts. I could see anthem fine in Orange and black or green and red!

[@mariamcphail]

Your fabrics are so very pretty! As much as I like pre-cuts for getting a sample of each of your designs, there are times when I don't want that many different fabrics in one quilt maybe only 3 to 6 (or so) prints/colours. Do you have any patterns that call for yardage only instead of pre-cuts?

[@Colleenf3277]

Thanks for the stitch length I also have the same machine I was changing to 195 but will have to see if I can set it so I don't have to change all the time

[@kimjohnson3110]

Good info on stitch length. I always use 2.0 on my Juki most times.

[@joycebaker3798]

It's new needle day!!

[@kimjohnson3110]

Endurance blades by Olfa last a long time! I just bought some on half price sale at one of the big sewing stores. Great deal!

[@vickypetry1049]

Good morning!!❤

[@pattieverdecanna8984]

What? A new collection in the works? Woohoo!

[@helencowen135]

As a "hobby" quilter I always do a label . Usually pieced into the backing. Bags etc I always put my name in a discreet place

[@juliasander1680]

Making choices about what I make even as a hobby quilter is important. I had to laugh to myself recently when my new dental hygienist found out I was a quilter & asked me to make her one! I told her I only make quilts for love or charity, but since she likes sewing, I recommended she make one herself!

[@deidrapowell8762]

I have bernina and Janome. Thanks for this info

[@pattieverdecanna8984]

I have had the same mat for 5 years. I cut from ruler measurements 90% of the time.

[@brushlow9344]

To hang a quilt I also use a curtain rod with the rings, but my rod is hung with Command Strips hangers. No nails.

[@peterdamiani4238]

I watch your video’s frequently and enjoy them. Today I was a little disappointed with the answer to a valid question. The question regarding how often you replace a cutting mat, blade, needle etc. when you responded you noted how frequently you replace these items from your perspective. I would have liked the answer to be geared towards the audience as opposed to your needs as full time professionals working in the industry. Today’s episode was viewers questions . I sense you may not know the questions before hand. Some of the questions may require a little thought or research. The company recommendations would have been a better answer. I did enjoy the info on how the fabric is made and learning about strike off’s. Your video’s normally provide so much great information as well as inspiration and will continue to watch. Thank you

[@pamelacrooker9274]

I disagree with not labeling quilts you are selling. Would Van Gogh leave his name off a painting because he was planning to sell it? I don’t think he would. Every quilt we make is a one of a kind piece of art. I use one set of labels for quilts I gift and another for the ones I sell or donate, but my name is on every one of them. I think you should reconsider the idea of not labeling your art. 🖼️ I love every podcast you create and look forward to them all. Keep up the great work! 😊

[@nonamegivenatbirth]

I agree. When travel I try to buy items made by local artists, so it is very important to me to know who crafted the item. Same goes for when I purchase handcrafted items and art pieces online. I like to buy paintings by unknown artists and I always ask for the provenance of the paintings.

[@dawnloya8523]

Is there a pattern for the A Quilting Life wall hanging?? It’s gorgeous!!

[@margienell4401]

I have had the same mat for 4 years

[@angelcunningham6598]

Hello! What pattern/letters did you use for the A Quilting Life wall hanging that you all showed when talking about ways to hang quilts? I noticed it last year and love it! Thanks!

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

Often I start on the 10" or 20" line, instead of 0".

[@PattiMac00]

Old mats make great applique templates

[@marykauffman3686]

How do you cut them up?

[@kabjhill]

Never thought of that. I use them as bottom liners for cloth shopping bags and liners for tool box drawers, etc. Old rotary cutters or utility knives work to cut most mats.

[@wendylink4315]

I never use the mat measurements to cut for that reason. I always use my rulers even if I have to butt two rulers together. That way I don’t get those grooves from cutting on the same measurement.

[@kathythomas4839]

You talked about strike offs extensively but failed to mention what size the fabric pieces are?

[@margienell4401]

Broadcloth for napkins is my thought

[@marydicarlo5189]

Will either of you ladies ever teach at Houston Quilt Festival? I would to take a class with you.

[@rhondahallet8413]

I would want the label to be on the quilt or items I purchased. I just believe in labels.

[@michellejaggard9657]

I think the ones in resturants have a lot of poly in them so they won't wrinkle and they aren't absobant.

[@jeanineadkison7320]

I’m curious about Billy and Isabel’s long arm quest.

[@MarySears]

Where did you get your quilt ladders? They are nice and wide!

[@colleenquiltstoo]

Another reason not to use the lines on your mat for measuring. Mats are expensive! If you use your rulers to measure, your mat will last for years (and if the top gets worn, you can flip it over and use it for even longer!). I have 2 18x24 mats that are side by side on my cutting table. One is 20 years old, and I’m now using the back. The other is 10 years old and still looks great!

[@pamdavis1613]

Is the quilt pattern on the wall out yet? Remix?

[@michellejaggard9657]

No!!! Always put a label on! Even on selling! Someone will look for it because they want one also and want to buy a pattern or a quilt like it. 100 years from now your quilt may end up in an antique store and someone would want the history on it. that is what the quilt label is for.

[@susanbenedict6988]

Where can I get ladders like yours?

[@sandybecker245]

I find the thicker mats, at least 5 cm and if you can find a brand that is double sided, the mat should last longer.

[@connievaughan3963]

What is the name of the quilt pattern behind Chelsea at the top of the rack?

[@nikkireynolds9514]

Why do you change your mats so often? Is is all the kits you make?

[@StacyCraig-ym4bu]

What is a strike off?

[@janetmartin7719]

Most machines default to 2.5 length.

[@marileekgriffith1812]

Excuse me, but I would at least insert a loose label with a quilt you sell. It’s information that is important about the quilt. You ladies are pros & people may want to know who made it, line of fabric, date completed, etc. Value the work you do!!

[@nikkireynolds9514]

But wait, if you sell a quilt, isn’t it important to have the designer, the piercer, the quilter and the date on it? I mean historically, there is a provenance issue here, imagining 100 years into the future.